Dell is reportedly ditching plans to launch its digital music player tied to online entertainment software before Christmas. In fact it could be shelving the MP3 warbler indefinitely.

The Wall Street Journal cites a person familiar with the matter to have confirmed Dell’s decision to delay the release of its mini MP3 player, which is based on software from Zing, a Mountain View startup bought by Round Rock in 2007.

It makes software to connect personal music players to live streams and other online content. The firm was launched in early 2006 by iPod alumnus Tim Bucher.

Interestingly, if the report proves correct, computer giant Dell has decided to hold off developing the music player indefinitely, but is continuing to proceed with work on the software.

We’re guessing that’s because it has to justify the acquisition by continuing to support development work there, even if it has now shelved plans to bring out its own Zunegasmic Wi-Fi music player.

We asked Dell if it could confirm the report, but at time of writing it hasn’t returned our call. ®